Roadway Safety
Roadway Safety
It's Everyone's Responsibility.
Safety is always a top priority as the Illinois Tollway continuously explores ways to develop and promote better roadway safety from project planning and construction to roadway operations.
The lives of the Tollway’s customers and employees depend on it.
Maintenance workers, H.E.L.P. truck drivers and construction contractors risk their lives every day. Unfortunately, not all drivers recognize the impact that their decisions and actions on the road can have on others.
It is for this reason the Illinois Tollway launches initiative after initiative to promote roadway safety, enhance the highway system and educate the public on the law and best practices of driving.
2026 National Distracted Driving Awareness Month
National Distracted Driving Awareness Month brings attention to the importance of staying focused behind the wheel. This year, the Illinois Tollway is reinforcing its message, “Drive First. Everything else can wait,” reminding drivers that even on smooth, reliable roads, distractions like phones, food or music can have serious consequences. As conditions can change in an instant, it’s critical for drivers to remain alert and practice safe driving habits at all times. The Illinois Tollway is proud of its commitment to safety and encourages all drivers to stay focused, stay alert and put driving first.
Drop It and Drive
Using an electronic communication device at any time while driving in Illinois is a moving violation, including if the vehicle is stopped at a traffic signal.
A phone in one hand, means a ticket in the other.
The fine for a first offense is a maximum of $75, $100 for a second offense, $125 for a third offense and $150 for a fourth or subsequent offense. Drivers with three or more moving violations within a 12-month period risk suspension of their driver’s license.
Work Zone Safety
The Illinois Tollway is committed to keeping its work zones safe for both drivers and workers.
Work zone safety is a shared responsibility – and it affects motorists more than anyone. From 2020 to 2024, nearly 140 people lost their lives in work zone crashes in Illinois. While these tragedies affect construction crews, all but nine of these fatalities were drivers or passengers.
As roadways are maintained and improved, drivers play a critical role in creating a safe environment by practicing safe driving habits through work zones.
2026 National Work Zone Awareness
National Work Zone Awareness Week brings national attention to motorist and worker safety in work zones across the country.
This year's campaign, Safe Actions Save Lives, reminds drivers that simple choices – slowing down, staying focused and following posted signs – help protect everyone in a work zone.
For the 2026 construction season, the Tollway is joining the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police to remind drivers to stay alert and use extra caution when traveling through work zones.
The Illinois Tollway is proud to support National Work Zone Awareness Week and partner with agencies and the construction industry to promote safe driving. #NWZAW #Orange4Safety
"If Only" Campaign
Drivers need to do their part to keep everyone safe. The lives of the Illinois Tollway’s customers, maintenance workers, H.E.L.P. truck drivers and construction contractors depend on it.
The Illinois Tollway is launching the “If Only” campaign aimed at increasing awareness of the tragic consequences that speeding can have, not just for the driver, but for others impacted by a crash.
Give Them Distance
Illinois’ Move Over Law requires drivers to slow down, move over and change lanes, if possible, to make extra room when approaching ANY vehicle with lights flashing, stopped on a roadway.
‘Give Them Distance’ is a collaborative campaign in Illinois intended to expand awareness of the importance of this law, and the Illinois Tollway, along with transportation, safety and government leaders, continues to work to raise awareness.
Initially signed into law as Scott’s Law in 2002, today, the Move Over Law is intended to protect first responders and roadway workers, as well as any driver who may be stopped on the side of the road. And, penalties for ignoring the law have been increased to a minimum fine of $250 for a first-time violation and $750 for subsequent violations as further deterrent.
Tollway Trailblazers
Your Future Starts Here
Tollway Trailblazers initiative is designed to spark innovation and curiosity in students of all ages by providing opportunities to explore real-world challenges and career paths.
Through mentorship and hands-on experiences, Tollway Trailblazers helps students think creatively, connect their interests to future opportunities, and build critical problem-solving skills. Aligned with the agency’s core values, this program positions the Tollway as a forward-thinking, community-focused organization. With student site visits, STEAM and Scout events, and internships, Trailblazers showcases the Tollway’s impact while inspiring the next generation of transportation leaders and highlighting the agency as an inclusive and fulfilling place for hands on learning.